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Elderly residents have been learning how to use tablets to access virtual activities and Zoom meetings at Caerphilly Miners’ Centre for the Community.

The community centre, based on the site of the old Caerphilly Miners’ Hospital, has been running virtual activities throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

However, in recent months the centre has been holding socially distanced classes and activities on site, such as classes on how to use Zoom and other virtual technology.

Dorothy Howell, 74, who had no online experience – having never sent an email or owned a tablet – attended the classes.

As a member of the ‘Elderberries’ group at the Miners’ Centre, Dorothy was able to borrow a tablet so she could attend virtual classes from home.

She said the classes had “given me the confidence to try new things on my own” and given her “a lifeline to new social opportunities”.

The classes were run by IT support consultant Geraint King, who said: “I want to do all I can to support those that haven’t been able to join the online activities at the Miners’.

“Many have been missing their friends and we need to support them in breaking down the technical and emotional barriers that are keeping them isolated.”

For more information about digital support at the Miners Centre, call 029 21 674242.